1. How does God's second appearance to Solomon in 1 Kings 9 reinforce the principles of obedience and faithfulness?

2. In what ways does the covenant God makes with Solomon relate to the New Covenant made through Jesus Christ?

3. How does Solomon's interaction with Hiram reflect on the balance between political alliances and spiritual commitments?

4. In the context of present-day living, how can we apply God's warning to Solomon about the consequences of disobedience?

5. How does Solomon's use of forced labor from the non-Israelite population reflect on his leadership?

6. In light of 1 Kings 9, how can we ensure we are using our resources (time, talent, treasure) in a way that pleases God?

7. How do Solomon's construction projects metaphorically relate to our personal spiritual development?

8. How does 1 Kings 9 inspire us to continually focus on obedience to God in our lives?

9. In today's world, how can we identify when we are drifting away from God's commandments and refocus our priorities?

10. How do God's warnings and promises in this chapter relate to the concept of divine justice?

11. How can we discern between beneficial alliances and those that might lead us astray from God’s purpose, as seen in Solomon's interactions with Hiram?

12. How does the gold from Ophir symbolize the spiritual treasures we seek in our lives?

13. What lessons can be learned from Hiram's dissatisfaction with the towns given to him by Solomon?

14. How might Solomon's extensive building projects be viewed in terms of social justice and fair treatment of labor?

15. What are some contemporary situations where we might face a dilemma similar to Solomon’s and how should we handle it according to biblical principles?

16. How do we maintain our devotion to God in the face of worldly successes and advancements, as seen in Solomon's story?

17. How does Solomon's reign illustrate the dangers of forgetting God’s commandments despite blessings and prosperity?

18. What are the key lessons for leaders in today's society from Solomon's story?

19. How can we apply the theme of obedience and consequences in our personal and community life?

20. How does 1 Kings 9 encourage us to build a strong foundation on God's commandments in our personal lives?